MONTROSE, Colo. — The Montrose County School District is ramping up efforts to ensure student safety with a series of “elevated” school safety trainings across six schools. These trainings, conducted in the first week of February, focus on equipping school staff with the skills and knowledge needed to handle emergency situations.
Preparing for the Unexpected
On February 5th, Montrose High School staff participated in a random security drill that included a simulated lockdown. The drill was part of a broader initiative to improve safety protocols across the district. James Pavlich, Executive Director of Operations for the Montrose School District, emphasized the importance of these preparations, despite the rarity of school attacks. “There are school attacks,” Pavlich said. “While it’s exceedingly rare and unlikely that one would occur in our community, the cost is high enough that it’s important that all school systems train.”
The training exposed staff to realistic scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared to respond to any emergency. This included practicing communication strategies, implementing security protocols, and managing critical decision-making under pressure.
Focused on Continuous Improvement
Principal Heidi Voehringer of Montrose High School shared her thoughts on the importance of ongoing training. “It is nerve-racking to go through, and you want to do everything right, but I think it’s our district’s job to keep challenging us to make sure that we’re on top of our game,” she explained.
These realistic simulations allow staff to continuously refine their skills. According to Pavlich, the district has invested nearly $7 million in enhanced security systems, which include video management, physical safety measures, and improved communication infrastructure. These upgrades are designed to give administrators vital information during critical moments, helping them make informed decisions when needed most.
Teaching Safety Beyond the Classroom
The safety trainings not only benefit the school staff but also help students develop crucial safety awareness, both in school and in society. Principal Voehringer highlighted the broader impact of these efforts: “We want to give kids the skills to be safe wherever they’re at. These are not just school safety issues — they have a responsibility to be safe in society, and to have the skills necessary to be helpful citizens.”
The district’s commitment to safety goes beyond just one-time drills. These elevated trainings are held periodically throughout the year in addition to the monthly school-level security training.
A Culture of Preparedness
With the rise in school-related incidents across the country, Montrose County School District is working diligently to create a culture of preparedness. Whether it’s implementing new technologies or refining emergency response tactics, the focus remains on making sure staff and students are always ready for the unexpected.
By continually reinforcing these safety protocols, Montrose aims to provide both its students and staff with a sense of security, knowing they are equipped with the skills and systems to handle any emergency that may arise.
